THIS IS ISSUE.009 OF THE SMRT LIST
Hello, Friends!
I’ve been thinking of this all year and I’m so excited to finally share it with you with a few days left to go in 2022!!
For the past few years, I’ve been experimenting with creating a simple “one-word theme” for the year, and it’s been wildly successful.
It keeps life simple.
I’m all about removing as much cognitive load as possible because a relaxed mind is a creative + productive brain that gets shit done. I don’t know about you but I love being ultra-productive (working smart, not hard).
Besides, driving forward and doing things is coded in our biology (aka our dopamine reward system) otherwise we get anxiety— which is a sign that we’re NOT doing what we truly desire.
In this special edition of THE SMRT LIST, I’ll share my simple framework, and then give you examples from my experience and achievements.
Listening to conventional goal-setting wisdom can make you feel like a failure because the fact is most of us don’t have absolute clarity on what we want.
In fact, finding clarity is a journey on its own.
Not to mention, our needs and desires are going to evolve.
For some, it may take months while for others, years. It’s okay to not know what you want right now— my simple framework actually helps you find clarity because it guides you through the journey we call life. It also teaches you to enjoy the journey! Clichés are clichés for a reason. 😁
As I listen to others complain about their lives, partners who don’t listen, a relationship with no depth or love, having low energy or motivation, not having a clear direction, or worse yet: numbing themselves from their reality or SETTLING— my head is churning and I feel their despair.
I’m motivated by avoiding undesirable outcomes and learning by observing, listening, and experiencing. I promise myself things I see won’t happen to me— only because I want to be able to help one day and the first step is to figure out how to avoid those problems.
Over the years, I’ve developed my own strategy of facing fears simply because I’m never going to sabotage my own life. It’s super simple: run toward them. Just like I use to say to myself before starting a Crossfit WOD, I use the mantra, “just do it” and begin to climb whatever proverbial mountain I was on.
Not gonna lie, 2022 was challenging but only because I made it challenging. In 2021, I made it my mission to run toward all my triggers and I’m still doing it. Since they’re never going to stop, I’m going to use it— not let my triggers use me!! And it’s kinda fun!
Uncomfortable AF but fun!
I was joking with a friend that I’ve gotten so used to living on the edge of my comfort zone that when life starts to feel too easy, I’ll go and find problems… or create problems. 🤣 I’m actually not joking because this is what my shadow side tends to do— it caused me problems when I was young but thankfully these days, I’m not stupid enough to sabotage my own life!
One rule I live by: NEVER REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE.
Life As A Game
Life is a game. We may not have unlimited lives but every challenge is an opportunity for a level up.
I sometimes think I’m missing a part of my amygdala because when I’m in an uncomfortable or intimidating situation, I get excited. 🤭
Whether it’s dealing with people with opposing views or someone projecting their insecurities on me, I get excited and curious, knowing when I overcome this discomfort appropriately, everyone wins and I get to level up.
The old teenage me (when my monkey mind was under control) would’ve gotten offended, pissed off, blame someone else, or run away from the problem.
Take Advantage of Neuroplasticity
You can hardwire your brain to do whatever you want.
I spent the last decade looking for the longest rides and steepest mountains to climb on my road bike— I ended up doing the same in my personal and professional life. It’s funny how your brain works.
Learn to run toward everything that scares you.
Harnassing and reframing your shadow tendencies can really work as long as you’re aware of what’s going on in your head. I try to be… most of the time! Are you?
Framework: One-Word To Rule Them All
In this article I will break down:
- Five Philosophies I’ve Embodied:
- Why It Works
- Step-By-Step Directions
- How It Works
- Examples (From My Experience)
